American Movieplex, a large movie theater chain, leases most of its theater facilities. In conjunction with recent operating leases, the company spent $28 million for seat and carpeting. The question being discussed over breakfast on Wednesday morning was the length of the depreciation period for these leasehold improvements. The company controller, Sarah Keene, was surprised by the suggestion of Larry Person, her new assistant. Keene: Why 25 years? We've never depreciated leasehold improvements for such a long period. Person: I noticed that in my review of back records. But during our expansion to the Midwest, we don't need expenses to be any higher than necessary. Keene: But isn't that a pretty rosy estimate of these assets' actual life? Trade publications show an average depreciation period of 12 years. Read through the dilemma.

For the Original Post*, you will be arguing in favor of Larry Person's proposal to increase the depreciation period for leasehold improvements. Remember to use logic and the accounting principles you have learned thus far to develop your argument. You must include at least three points as to why this route is the best route to go (with one of those points being related to the learned accounting principles).